Map of Western Equatoria State. | Courtesy.

The national Ministry of Health has deployed a rapid response team to investigate a suspected outbreak of viral hemorrhagic fever in Western Equatoria as five people have so far died.

In its situation report number 010, the Ministry of Health and UN health organization, WHO said as of January 1^st, 2024, a total of 10 suspected viral hemorrhagic fever were reported in three counties in the state.

Five suspected cases were reported in Yambio County, four in Nzara County, and one in Tambura County.

According to the Ministry and the World Health Organization, one suspected viral hemorrhagic fever death was reported on New Year’s Eve in Yambio County bringing the cumulative number of deaths to five.

The joint report further says on 7^th December 2023, an 18-year-old male from Gangura Payam of Yambio County reportedly developed an illness characterized by general body weakness, headache, epigastric discomfort, and vomiting.

The patient was initially diagnosed with typhoid and put on treatment on the same day, 7^th December.

Upon completion of the treatment for typhoid, his mother, according to the report informed the health workers that the patient’s health conditions did not improve.

On 21^st December, upon assessment at a health facility, the patient threw up blood and was jaundiced.

As such, the national and state Ministries of Health with support from WHO and other partners however said the institutions have embarked on providing operational and strategic guidance to the ongoing suspected viral hemorrhagic fever in the state.

They are also conducting a daily meeting chaired by Dr John Rumunu the Director General of Preventive Health Services with stakeholders and key partners.

They have also established national-level surveillance, vaccination, case management, infection prevention and control, vector control, and logistic pillars to support the investigation and response coordination.

When contacted by Eye Radio, Dr. John Rumunu, the incident manager at the National Ministry of Health, declined to comment.